Metropolitan Division Officer-Involved-Shooting in Foothill Area NRF029-17ma

May 24, 2017

***Update***

The below listed Metropolitan Division officers have been identified as being involved in the officer involved shooting on May 8, 2017.

Police Officer III + 1 Michael Messenger, Serial No. 30403 Police Officer III + 1 Cliff Chu, Serial No. 33547 Police Officer III Joseph Goosby, Serial No. 35124 Police Officer III Robert Gallegos, Serial No. 30619 Police Officer III Billy Lee, Serial 37742 Police Officer III Canaan Bodell, Serial No. 34688 Police Officer III Jeremy Escamilla, Serial No. 35680 Police Officer III Gregory Martin, Serial No. 34477 Police Officer III Jonathan Pultz, Serial No. 34942 Police Officer III David Keortge, Serial No. 30896 Police Officer III Mario Rios, Serial No. 32123 Police Officer III Juan C. Flores, Serial No. 32169 Police Officer III Jerry Fritz, Serial No. 33555

Since the time of the incident, detectives have learned the suspect, 29-year-old Anthony Soderberg, fired at officers and was seen with a handgun during the hours long standoff. Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) officers attempted to communicate with Soderberg; after he refused to comply with the officer’s requests, tear gas was used. Due to the unique tactical situation related to the incident, the use of the Aerial Platform Shooting (A.P.S) tactic was approved and used. Between approximately 1:05 p.m. and 2:40 p.m., officers were involved in shootings with Soderberg.

After 2:40 p.m., Soderberg exited the residence and fell down a hillside adjacent to the residence. Around 3:00 p.m., Soderberg was determined to be dead by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. In the residence, detectives found a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun which they believe Soderberg used to fire at the officers. They also found casings of the same caliber inside and outside the residence.

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On May 8, 2017, around 9:00 a.m., officers assigned to Foothill Patrol Division responded to a radio call in the 11300 block of Alethea Drive. A female met the officers outside of the residence and told them she had been sleeping inside when she woke to find a male in the kitchen. The female was able to flee and call for the police. The female advised the officers there were firearms inside the residence. The officers saw the male inside and established a perimeter and requested additional resources including Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and K-9. Around 1:00 p.m., SWAT was at the location when the suspect began shooting in the direction of officers. Between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., the suspect did not surrender and would intermittently shoot at officers.

During that same period between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., officers were involved in shootings with the suspect. During one instance, two officers shot at the suspect from a helicopter using the Ariel Platform Shooting (APS) tactic. Around 3:00 p.m., the suspect exited the residence and fell down a hillside where Los Angeles Fire Department personnel determined he was deceased. No officers were injured during this incident. A handgun was recovered in the crime scene. LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence.

Representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Office of the Inspector General were also at the scene. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers: •During business hours at (213) 486-5230; •During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); •Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or •Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”